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LINDSAY Watling became the latest in a long line of News Associates graduates to scoop a national award for outstanding journalism.
PROUD: News Associates shorthand lecturer Angelo Catto is presented with Lindsay's prize by NCTJ chairman and former Daily Telegraph editor Kim Fletcher
Lindsay received this year’s NCTJ prize for best shorthand note and transcription at 110-120wpm.
She follows in the illustrious footsteps of fellow NA graduate Jo Carter, who scooped the top national prize for completing a passage at 120wpm with no mistakes 12 months earlier.
Jo was one of four former NA trainees who won prestigious NCTJ national awards in her year - covering topics from features to sport.
Lindsay - who is now a reporter for the Aberdeen Press and Journal – received a certificate and cheque for £250.
“I was over the moon,” said Lindsay.
“Learning shorthand is a real challenge so to be awarded for my efforts was a nice touch.
“I use my shorthand everyday, it is an invaluable tool.”
Lindsay, who studied on the full-time course from September 09-January 10, also defeated her fellow trainees to win the coveted News Associates shorthand competition for her intake.
Current trainee Walaa Khubieh has recently joined her on the list of champions after winning the prize for the March 10-July 10 intake.
Head of Journalism Andrew Moorhouse said he was proud of Lindsay for both achievements and hoped that it would incentivise current and future trainees to step up to the plate – shorthand speaking.
The NCTJ shorthand exam is set to change in September with the introduction of the new multimedia Diploma in Journalism.
Students will now have to take down a key quote verbatim in order to pass.
Johnston Press group editorial development executive David Rowell said: “In this age of instant publishing we need sharper, quicker trainees who can hit the ground running when they join their first newsroom.”
News Associates is one of the flagship training centres teaching the new syllabus from September.
Course Director Richard Parsons said: “Times are changing and so must we.
“The new shorthand exam looks set to better prepare trainees for using shorthand in the real world.”